The Rev. Fred H. Irwin, Jr.

The Rev. Fred H. Irwin, Jr., 81, died on Wednesday, April 11, 2012. He was the husband of Etta Hess Irwin, with whom he celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary in December.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Susan Vogel (Gary), Malvern; Ann Becker, Richland; Dr. Frederick H. Irwin, III (Jane), Summit, NJ. He also is survived by four grandchildren, Benjamin Becker, Katie and Ryan Vogel and Hunter Irwin. A sister, Barbara Gravel (Arthur), Maple Glen, and many nieces and nephews also survive. He was a member of First Reformed United Church of Christ, Lancaster.
Rev. Irwin, born in Philadelphia to Edna and Fred H. Irwin, Sr., received a Bachelor’s degree from Catawba College, Salisbury, NC. He also received a Bachelor of Divinity degree and a Master of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary. His first parish was a four-church charge in Centre Hall, PA, where he served for five years. He then became pastor of Willow Street UCC, serving 18 years, during which time the present sanctuary was built. He later served eight years in Womelsdorf, PA, from which he retired. Immediately upon retirement, he became Interim Pastor at Leesport UCC. The last parish he served as interim was Zeltenreich UCC in New Holland for eight years.
Fred’s greatest joy in life was serving his Lord, and the joy of his family. He served on the Board of Directors at Annville Home during his Willow Street tenure, and later completed his work for chaplaincy. He, with other area pastors, created the Willow Street Ministerium.
He always took pleasure in gardening, both vegetables and flowers, and was an enthusiastic fan of the Phillies. Singing, piano and organ playing also were among his many interests.
A memorial service will be held at First Reformed United Church of Christ, 40 E. Orange St., Lancaster, Tuesday, April 17, at 2:00 P.M., with the Rev. Bill Worley officiating.
Family will receive guests immediately following the memorial service. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to First Reformed UCC, 40 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA, 17602.

Condolence Messages

I was deeply saddened to read online that Rev. Irwin died.
This “man of God” ministered to our family, above and beyond his calling.
Rev. Irwin and Etta are like family to us.
God is opening his arms wide to welcome you home. Passing on during the Easter Season reminds is again that we will all be together again someday.
Much love and prayers sent to Rev. Irwin’s family.
John Long, Sarasota FL

Etta,
We were very sorry to read about Fred’s death. He was a good man and a good friend. Hope you are holding up okay. We are very sorry that we will not be able to attend the memorial service on Tuesday, but we have a previous engagement with people coming in from out of State. Please give us a call when you get a chance. Carol has been trying to get in touch with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dear Etta and family,
Sorry to hear that Rev. Irwin has left us to be with the Lord. We knew him as a gentle and kind man, always ready to listen and be supportive. He had a wonderful smile, a great sense of humor and a humility you don’t find in many. He served his Lord well and I know we will miss his presense here on earth. May God grant you peace in a life well lived. Fondly Sue and Rich

We are very sorry to hear of Rev. Irwin’s death. Fred & Etta have been friends of the family since I was a little girl, and Rev. Irwin married Bernie & I in a beautiful ceremony 21+ years ago. Etta – we have tried to reach you over the last couple of months but do not know where you are living now.

My dearest Etta. When I first heard of Fred’s passing my first thought was that he and my father had a joyous reunion. They can both garden and listen to the birds to their hearts content.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time, as are the thoughts and prayers of my family, which you and Fred have been a big part of.
I was so proud when Fred could be a part of my dad’s Life Celebration last year. Little did we know we would be saying good bye to him so soon.
Much love to you and your family,
Kathy P Weinhold

Dear Etta and Family…
We are deeply saddened to learn of Fred’s passing but he is in a much better place and is home with the Lord.
As you know, you and Fred were like family to our entire family. Our friendship goes back 45 + years from our marriage to the baptism of Brad and Jody. Many of our celebrations throughout the years were topped off by your presence and the stories the two of you told was always a trip down memory lane. We will remember Fred by his gentle and sincere nature. May God bless you Etta, and your family, and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Etta and Family,
My Dad and I are sending our deepest sympathy to all of you on the recent passing of Fred. My brother and I will never forget your thoughtfulness and concern for my Mom and Dad at Olde Hickory. You and Fred were always so kind and thoughtful, caring and loving. I won’t forget Fred’s gentle nature and comforting words; he was a wonderful man and now he is with the Lord–with a big smile on his face looking down at us! I pray Fred keeps a watchful eye on you Etta, the way you did my parents. Sending lots of love and hugs.
Karen Peterson Holmes
Vincent Peterson Jr.
Vincent Peterson III

Prayers and blessings from all of us at Preakness Reformed Church in Wayne NJ. We were so sad to hear the news. We pray for God’s love to surround you during these difficult days. But we also praise God for Rev. Irwin’s life and ministry.